General Dynamics To Support UK's Dreadnought-Class Nuclear Sub

The US Navy has awarded General Dynamics a $64.8 million contract to support the second hull of the United Kingdom (UK) Dreadnought-Class ballistic missile nuclear submarine, christened "HMS Valiant."

"General Dynamics Mission Systems is awarded a $64.8 million contract for the Strategic Weapon System Fire Control Subsystem hardware, associated deliverables, and spares for production efforts supporting the second hull of the UK Dreadnought Class ballistic missile submarines, nuclear, recently named as HMS Valiant, and the UK Software Facility," the US Department of Defense said in a statement Thursday.

Work is expected to be completed August 22, 2025.

This class of submarines are set to gradually replace the four Vanguard-class boats from the early 2030s comes. Construction on "HMS Dreadnought," the lead ship in the class, started in October 2016. The submersibles are 152.9m (501ft) long, displace 17,200 tonnes and will be armed with Trident II D5 missiles.

Dreadnought will be fitted with a new lighting system which can imitate night and day – making it easier for crew to get used to normal life after three months submerged.

The next two boats will be called "HMS Warspite" and "HMS King George VI."